Crag Law Center

Oregon’s coast is the pride of the state, and a national treasure. Oregon Governors have spoken of the coast’s importance:

“The interests of Oregon for today and in the future must be protected from the grasping wastrels of the land.” Oregon Governor Tom McCall, 1967

“No selfish interest should be permitted through politics or otherwise, to destroy or even impair this great birthright of our people.” Oregon Governor Oswald West, 1913

Nevertheless, the coast is under immense threat from developers and resource extraction schemes. Several current development proposals could damage or destroy coastal wetlands, estuaries and rivers critical to native birds, fish and plants.

The Coastal Law Project - Investing in the future of the Oregon Coast

The Crag Law Center represents the Oregon Shores Conservation Coalition and local citizens through a collaborative partnership to ensure the coast’s natural environment remains pristine and accessible for years to come. Oregon Shores brings thirty years of experience in coastal conservation, while the Crag Law Center is contributing its expertise in advocacy and law to find solutions to these issues.

A Sampling of Coastal Law Project Conservation Projects

Botts Marsh - Botts Marsh is situated on Nehalem Bay just north of the picturesque town of Wheeler. The towns of Nehalem and Manzanita are just a short drive or boat ride to the north.

A local developer has floated a controversial proposal to fill 24 acres of marsh and estuarine wetlands for a large scale recreation park with a marina, accommodations for RVs and other related amenities. Local citizens have contested the matter before the Oregon Division of State Lands. CRAG has agreed to assist the local citizens before the administrative agency and, if necessary, consider bringing an appeal to a higher court.

Sand Lake Estuary - The Sand Lake Estuary is situated just north of Tierra Del Mar on the Oregon Coast. The 900-acre Sand Lake is a gorgeous, mysterious, wild-salmon laden and relatively unsullied natural area. Its is undoubtedly the most sublime estuary on the Oregon coast, and it remains that way because U.S. 101 was not routed through it - as was done to practically every other estuary. This is one of Oregon’s coastal gems and home to a diverse array of fish, bird, plant and wild game species.

A group of out-of-state developers have proposed to level the sensitive dunes and fill wetlands that comprise a large part of the estuary to build a Scottish Links style golf course and then a large-scale destination resort. Oregon Shores has been working with local citizens and has successfully organized a strong and vocal opposition to the project. CRAG has agreed to represent Oregon Shores on land use matters.

Miami River - Along with the Kilchis River, the Miami River is one of the last remaining strongholds for wild runs of the threatened Chum salmon. The Miami flows into Tillamook Bay just south of the town of Garibaldi. The Miami is currently threatened by the Ekroth gravel mine that is discharging fine clay sediment into tidally influenced wetlands that form the spawning grounds for Chum salmon and other native fish.

Local citizens involved the Oregon Coastal Zone Management Association and Oregon Shores have asked CRAG to assist in developing a targeted effort to ensure that the proper mitigation devices are either installed or the destructive operations are halted.

Proposed Lone Ranch Development - The U.S. Borax Corporation has proposed to develop 1,000 homes on 553 acres of property one mile north of the City of Brookings. The currently undeveloped property sits across highway 101 from Samuel Boardman State Park. The development site contains unique environmental features, including 28 acres of wetlands and substantial populations of the endangered western lily, and is an area of historical and cultural significance to local Native American communities.

Borax has prepared a master plan for the project and is currently seeking land use approval from the City of Brookings. Oregon Shores and CRAG have been actively working with concerned parties to identify the full range of environmental issues that will be implicated should the proposed development move forward.

Indian Point - In Charleston, Oregon, a developer proposes to convert 184 acres of forest land into a residential development with over a thousand units. The site for the proposed development lies on the South Slough, just down river from the pristine South Slough Reserve. The 4,700 acre Reserve was established in 1974 and its environs are dedicated to research, education, and stewardship.

A large coalition of local residents has joined together to oppose the conversion of the site to residential development. The residents believe that economic growth does not have to mean the sacrifice of the area’s mix of natural beauty and small town atmosphere.